SparkyDave has been helping me a bit get started in LFS (noob alert!), and suggested I post here and say hi.

I'm Griphos, here and in the game, and from the USA (but don't hold that against me).  I'm a...ahem...more mature member of the simming community.  I used to sim a lot, both driving and flight sims.  I go waaaaayyy back.  Does anyone remember Chuck Yeager flight simulator!?!?!  I also got into the driving sims pretty hard core back in the Papyrus days (IndyCar and NASCAR).  Well, pretty hard core...I always still used a joystick.  But the wheels then weren't that good, and I sure put the hours in!  That was all pre-online.

Then work and life, etc.  I started using a notebook and those just don't work for simming.  Was away from simming for over a decade.

A little over a year ago, I bought a powerful desktop and immediately bought FSX.  I'm a RL pilot, so wanted to flight sim again.  Then discovered MP in FSX.  Joined a "club" and next thing I knew I was in a couple of online air combat teams in IL2 and ROF.  Lots of fun.  But online flight sims just aren't that realistic (although ROF is pretty darned good), and I like the challenge of a realistic driving simulator, so looked around for the best one and settled on LFS.  REALLY like this sim.  My son and I watch the GT and WTCC races all the time.  It will be fun for us to drive together as well.

I'm a complete noob at LFS.  I've had it about a week. Just two online races so far.  But I've been practicing in the XFG and can do consistent 1:39 laps at BL.  Not great, but not horrible.  I probably need a wheel (I'm using my CH Eclipse Yoke).  And I should upgrade to S2. 

I'm interested in driving clean and as realistic as possible.  I hope to meet up with some of you online sometimes and learn from you.  When I've gotten enough experience, I'll apply to join, as this team seems to be pretty much just what I'm looking for.  If anyone wants to point me toward specific cars or tracks to practice that seem to be used most often, I'd welcome the suggestions.  I'll keep an eye on the forum and join in any open sessions posted. 

Thanks P1LOT.  Yes, it's pretty addictive.  I upgraded to S2 today and tried out a couple of the rwd sports cars.  That was an humbling experience!  I'm decent with the fwd, and the FMB at least (monster grip), but it was very difficult to keep both ends in the proper order on those GT type cars when taking the corners at the speeds I'm used to in fwd.  Requires a whole different set of brake and throttle skills, it seems as well. 

But I drove the XFR and I think I'm in love. 

Practice!! I'll definitely put in some training time with the slower cars first.  I clearly need it.  But the yoke has got to go.  With only 90 degrees lock to lock, I really don't have the range to correct some situations.

Okay, AS2 and Kyoto national are on my list for the next tracks to learn. 

And I'll have access to the DFGT as soon as xmas gets here and my son opens it up (and I can sneak it away from him after he goes to bed!).  Looking forward to giving it a try.  I'm thinking that it's probably good enough for me.  But I've been tempted by the G27 or the GT3 as well (although a little leery of the service and record of the GT3 from what I can tell). 

Great.  I'll do the same.  A G27 shipped out to me yesterday, so soon i'll be driving in earnest and style.     I have almost 60 fInishes online now (with about a dozen places), so i've been getting experience.  Not sure how good it is.  I'm hoping to join some more serious events after the holidays.

But i'm sure enjoying it.

So, what do you guys drive when you're not driving LFS?  I was driving the Netkar demo yesterday and was very impressed with the feel of it.